How can we ensure our spiritual "gates" remain strong and steadfast? Secure Gates in Scripture: Nehemiah 7:3 “I said to them, ‘Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and while the guards are on duty, shut the doors and bar them. Appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and others near their own houses.’ ” (Nehemiah 7:3) Why Gates Must Stay Strong • City gates determined life or death for Jerusalem; our spiritual "gates" determine the flow of truth or deception into our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). • A literal enemy stood outside Nehemiah’s walls; a literal devil prowls outside ours (1 Peter 5:8). • Unsecured gates invite bondage: “do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). • Strong gates also welcome the right Guest: “Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of Glory may enter!” (Psalm 24:7). Three Principles Drawn from Nehemiah 7:3 1. Delay entry until full light—open only when truth is clear. 2. Shut and bar the doors—settle firm, non-negotiable convictions. 3. Appoint guards—assign continual, accountable oversight. Practical Steps to Strengthen Our Gates Today • Morning First-Light Check – Open the day to Scripture before media, tasks, or opinions. – Psalm 119:130: “The unfolding of Your words gives light.” • Bars and Bolts of Conviction – Predetermine standards for entertainment, relationships, spending, and speech. – Refuse anything Scripture labels sin (Galatians 5:19-21). • Posted Watchmen – Invite trusted believers to speak in when warning signs appear (Hebrews 3:13). – Use shared reading plans or accountability software to keep eyes on vulnerable points. • Continuous Surveillance – Regular self-examination: “Search me, O God…” (Psalm 139:23-24). – Fast periodically to heighten sensitivity to spiritual breaches. • Immediate Repairs – Confess and forsake sin at once (1 John 1:9). – Restore breached walls through renewed obedience, not delay. Maintaining Vigilance Over Time • Remember the enemy does not relent (Luke 4:13). • Keep learning the Word; every verse adds another stone to the wall. • Stay in gathered worship: “You will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise” (Isaiah 60:18). Anchoring Our Confidence in the Gatekeeper • Jesus is “the Door” (John 10:9); His authority secures what we cannot. • He promises, “the gates of Hades will not prevail” (Matthew 16:18). • When He stands watch, our spiritual "gates" remain strong and steadfast. |
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